Idaho Republicans Advance Legislation to Void Local LGBTQ+ Protections

Idaho Republicans are advancing House Bill 557, which seeks to nullify local nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ residents in over a dozen cities, including Boise, the state's largest city. The bill has already passed the Idaho House and is currently under consideration by the Senate State Affairs Committee. If enacted, it would prevent cities and counties from adopting or enforcing nondiscrimination ordinances that extend beyond state law, effectively erasing existing protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in jurisdictions that encompass approximately 36 percent of Idaho's population.

The Advocate

The legislation is seen by advocates as a significant regression in civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Liam Cutler, policy counsel for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, emphasized that the bill would strip away local protections that have been established in response to the lack of statewide safeguards. Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman, regional political director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, noted that local ordinances were created as a fallback strategy after efforts to amend the Idaho Human Rights Act stalled.

The Advocate

Nikson Mathews, chair of the Idaho Democratic Queer Caucus, articulated the emotional and practical ramifications of the bill, stating that it would leave many without recourse against discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Mathews remarked, “Suddenly we don’t have them, and we feel less safe,” highlighting the psychological impact of losing these protections.

The Advocate

Prominent civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Idaho, have voiced strong opposition to HB 557. The ACLU argues that nondiscrimination ordinances are essential for protecting LGBTQ+ individuals and that the absence of such protections would expose Idahoans to increased discrimination risks. Their analysis indicates that over 720,000 residents live in areas where local nondiscrimination ordinances would be nullified, and that cities with these protections employ nearly 42 percent of the state's workforce.

The Advocate

The push for HB 557 is part of a broader trend in Idaho, which has seen a series of legislative actions targeting LGBTQ+ rights, including a ban on transgender girls participating in school sports and restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Advocates perceive this as a shift from a lack of protections to active targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Cutler expressed concern that Idaho may serve as a bellwether for similar actions in other states, stating, “The idea that we are taking away protections from a group should be really alarming for folks.”

The Advocate

• “This specific bill we’re talking about, HB 557 would eliminate the ability of localities to pass non-discrimination policies protecting characteristics like gender identity or sexual orientation that are not currently protected under state law,” — Liam Cutler, Policy Counsel, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

The Advocate

• “So it’s quite an affront to us to not only see them being unwilling to add protections at a state level, but to very specifically introduce legislation that preempts cities from having those protections themselves,” — Nikson Mathews, Chair, Idaho Democratic Queer Caucus

The Advocate

• “These attacks aren’t happening because the NDOs weren’t working,” — Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman, Regional Political Director, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates

The Advocate

As Idaho moves forward with HB 557, the implications for LGBTQ+ rights in the state are profound. Advocates warn that the bill not only threatens existing protections but also reflects a troubling trend of legislative actions aimed at undermining civil rights for marginalized communities. The outcome of this legislation could have lasting effects on the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in Idaho and beyond.

The Advocate